The Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality event marked the 20th anniversary of the historic Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, where leaders pledged to end gender inequality by 2030.
UN Women's Goodwill Ambassador and Founder of Men Against Rape and Discrimination (MARD) Akhtar performed a song and a poem at the event, and said in a statement: "Gender violence and gender inequality is not just a women's issue. It's also a man's issue.
"It's not just because we have mothers, wives, sisters and daughters. We're here because it's a human rights issue and we are all human beings."
The Bhaag Milkha Bhaag star, who also met the UN Chief and head of the UN Women, tweeted that he "represents millions of Indian men who are concerned about gender equality".
"Women's and girls' voices too often go unheard, their talents and initiative unused. This is to the detriment of the world's prosperity and security," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.
"Too often, leaders have used women to advance power. I believe we must use power to advance women."
Guest speaker and Oscar-winner Patricia Arquette reiterated the sentiments of her Oscar speech, saying: "We need action to see change. Who is responsible for this change? You are. I am. We are voters. We make 87% of the purchasing decisions. We have the power of our purse to make sure the companies we buy from treat their employees fairly," she said.
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via All - Digital Spy - Entertainment and Media News
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